Recap | The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup - Round 14

Jake Arthur shines in battle of the brothers

Mason Cernoy

Match summary

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have clawed through Newcastle Knights this evening, winning 48-24 after a rapid start that saw them up 30-0 in under 30 minutes.

Newcastle’s first two sets ended in Manly’s 20, but it was the Sea Eagles who hit the scoreboard first. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega picked off a pass from Connor Votano and sped away to post points nice and early.

Newcastle’s early momentum completely disappeared after this, and Manly begun rolling up the field with ease. Powerful carries from Navale and Chris Patolo got them far enough up the field to allow Arthur to put in an attacking kick that Navren Willett was able to tap back to Hugo Hart, who snuck in.

When a miraculous offload from Joey Walsh and a cut-out from Arthur led to Vaega’s second just a few moments later, the Sea Eagles found themselves beating the clock comfortably, and continued to do so as Arthur laid on two more tries for Willett and Wakeham.

Being up 30-0 with more than 10 minutes left in the half, the question was Manly by how many, and when Willett picked off a pass from Haami Loza they seemed set to reach 40 by half-time, but he was found to be offside. Getting another set to attack as a result, it was finally the Knights’ time to strike. Riley Jones skipped to the outside and fashioned an offload to send Connor Votano over and wrestle back some momentum.

They found a bit more go forward with Jacob Davis on the field, and Jones crossed for his own four-pointer on the stroke of half-time when Sosaia Latu batted back a well-placed cross kick from Hastings to trail 30-12.

It was a more even contest to begin the second half, with both sides really engaged in the arm-wrestle. It took almost 20 minutes for Manly to break the deadlock, when Willett plucked an Arthur bomb from the heavens and flung it back infield to Walsh.

In the period that followed, both sides were ending their sets in attacking territory in a passage of end-to-end footy.

The Knights were showing some fight, but Manly found their way through again 10 minutes later. Semisi Kioa cut against the grain and found some space before offloading to Walsh, who kept things going before finding Jacob Sykes on his inside to power over and finish off a try. Arthur set another four-pointer up with the boot when he shaped to play wide but rolled one under the posts, allowing Wakeham to pounce and claim his second of the night and lead 48-12.

Manly seemed certain to bring up 50 but Newcastle followed their first-half trend, posting two late tries.

Francis Manuleleua came up with another charge-down on Arthur and ran 60 metres for a hard-earned consolation prize, and Willett gifted one to Taj Annan on the buzzer, after trying to offload a metre from his line with three defenders on him. Full-time, 48-24.

Talking points

• Jake Arthur turned it on whilst playing against his younger brother, laying on four tries in a dominant display for Manly Warringah.
• Brandon Wakeham looked the goods in the fullback jersey, taking some pressure catches and crossing for two tries.
• Jacob Davis was a shining light when he came on for Newcastle in the first half, straightening up their attack and helping the middles hit the advantage line.

Key moment

Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega’s intercept in the sixth minute filled his side with energy. Newcastle seemed a lot closer to scoring first before this play and it was all Manly afterward. A special mention to Jacob Sykes’ second-half try.

What’s next?

The Knights will host the Sydney Roosters next week, and the Sea Eagles are off to Lidcombe Oval to take on the Western Suburbs Magpies.

Newtown Jets v Warriors

Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters

Eels return to winner’s circle in style

Stewart Moses

Match summary

The Parramatta Eels have consolidated their spot in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup top three with a stylish 28-16 win over a Sydney Roosters outfit that never gave up, played in tricky conditions at Kellyville Park this afternoon.

Plenty of eyes among the healthy crowd at Kellyville Park were on the Sydney Roosters’ star half Sam Walker, making his first appearance of the 2025 season, and he didn’t disappoint early with a long-range intercept before being replaced at half-time.

Both sides were guilty of making errors in good attacking position, especially in the first half before the Eels took control of the second half to run away with the result. Each team enjoyed moments of territorial dominance without converting them into points in the opening 20 minutes of the game.

But somewhat against the run of play, Parramatta opened the scoring in the 25th minute, with five-eighth Ronald Volkman swooping on a wayward Roosters pass from their scrum win and going 45 metres to score in the northwest corner, to give the home side a 4-0 lead.

The Roosters looked to have scored just before the half-time break when Walker’s grubber kick was kicked into open space in the Eels’ in-goal but back-rower Aston Warwick knocked on in attempting to score, allowing the Eels to head into the main break holding that slender 4-0 lead.

The Eels extended their lead to 10 when hardworking lock Charlie Guymer stormed through a yawning gap to score next to the posts, and with fullback Te Hurinui Twidle landing the simple conversion the home side suddenly had a handy 10-0 lead.

With the game still in the balance, Eels centre Richard Penisini showed some individual brilliance to score out wide to give Parramatta a strong 16-0 lead with 23 minutes remaining.

In the ensuing set, the Eels made it back-to-back tries with Loizou making a long break down the western touchline before kicking back inside for half Dean Hawkins to gather on the bounce and score a brilliant team try midway through the second half, putting the game beyond the Roosters’ reach leading 22-0.

But the Roosters hadn’t given up just yet, finally getting on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute when hooker Tyler Moriarty burrowed his way over from dummy-half. With Toby Rodwell converting, the visitors had a glimmer of hope at 22-6.

However, the Eels made sure of the win when prop forward Brock Parker barged his way over from close range to score next to the posts and give the home side a 28-6 lead, before late tries to the Roosters through centre Ben Johnson and winger Tom Rodwell put some respectability back into the final score-line at 28-16.

Talking points

• It was a case of third v seventh coming into this clash at the home of the recently opened Eels Centre of Excellence at Kellyville Park.
• The game marked Sam Walker’s first appearance for the Sydney Roosters in 2025 having recovered from an ACL injury, before being replaced at half-time by Toby Rodwell.
• Roosters winger Tom Rodwell scored his 14th try of the season in just 13 games played.

Key moment

Two blistering moments of brilliance in as many sets turned a tight 10-0 contest into a commanding 22-0 situation when Penisini and Hawkins scored midway the second half.

What’s next?

The Eels return to Kellyville Park next Saturday when they host the all-conquering Warriors in a first v third clash. Later that day the Roosters venture north to take on the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Rabbitohs overcome slow start to topple Raiders

Tahlie Gavin

Match summary

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have claimed an important two competition points defeating the Canberra Raiders in the nation's capital in Round 14. 

A dominant opening 20 minutes saw the Raiders’ Danny Levi take control out of

Dummy-half, but the Rabbitohs’ efforts saw them head into the sheds on top 8-4. A back and forth second half saw South Sydney pull off one extra try to keep them on top as they came away with the 14-24 victory.

The Raiders were first on the scoreboard for the through winger Jed Stuart. Levi, back in the Raiders’ Cup side after a stint in the top grade, was causing all kinds of problems for Souths with his distribution out of dummy-half. He got the ball away to skipper Adam Cook who put in a beautifully placed kick for Stuart to cross the line out wide. An unsuccessful conversion from Cook saw the Raiders with an early four-point lead.

The Rabbitohs eventually answered back with a try in the 25th minute to winger Haizyn Mellars. A floating pass from Jye Grey put Mellars away as he raced down the left wing to score. An unsuccessful conversion for Fletcher Myers saw scores levelled 4-4.

The Rabbitohs found themselves in again with seven minutes left to play in the first half. A repeat play of their first try, Jye Grey’s floating pass saw centre Fletcher Myers this time run 50 metres down the left side to score. Another unsuccessful conversion from Myers saw the Rabbitohs lead by 8-4 at half-time.

The Raiders came out hungry in the second half with a try off the bat to forward Joe Roddy. A knock-on from South Sydney saw the Canberra capitalise as Adam Cook shovelled the ball right to Roddy on the receiving end. Cook added the extras as the Raiders led 10-8.

A threatening run for the line just three minutes later saw Jye Grey pull up close to the try-line. A quick pass from dummy-half Ryan Gray saw Henry O’Kane charge onto the ball to score. Myers converted taking the Rabbitohs back into the lead at 14-10.

Halfway through the second half the Rabbitohs were forced into a line drop-out. A short drop-out saw South Sydney compete for the ball, but as it was touched and knocked down Joe Roddy took an opportunity to grab his second try of the night. Cook failed to convert as the scores were now level at 14-all.

A six-again call ruled in favour of the Rabbitohs saw them march down the field. A left-foot kick to the wing from Lewis Dodd saw winger Ammaron Gudgeon speed his way to lead the chase and score to add a crucial four points for South Sydney.

Just five minutes later, a passing mistake cost the Raiders. An attempted pass to the wing bounced as Gudgeon was quick to pick up the ball and run for the line to score again. Myers failed to convert, but as time ticked away the Rabbitohs proved too strong as they carried out the 24-14 victory. 

Talking points

• Raiders' Joe Roddy was placed on report.
• Jye Gray played his first game back after injury for the Rabbitohs.
• The Raiders were dominant early in the match but were unable to convert all their opportunities into points.

Key moment

It was a very back-and-forth game, but the Rabbitohs’ back-to-back tries to Ammaron Gudgeon saw them seal the deal at a cold GIO Stadium in Canberra. Both tries showcased Gudgeon’s quick thinking and quick feet as he sped his way over the line both times. 

What’s next?

Next Sunday the Rabbitohs will take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs back home at Accor Stadium. The Raiders will prepare to take on the Bears at North Sydney Oval.

North Sydney Bears v Penrith Panthers

Panthers’ second-half clinic seals victory over Bears

Anthony Eltarraf

Match summary

An impressive second-half showing from the Penrith Panthers earned a well-deserved 26–16 victory over the Bears at North Sydney Oval this evening.

The opening try was a stunning one, with Siulagi Pio snatching an intercept from a Penrith pass and racing 85 metres to score between the posts against the run of play.

The Panthers hit back soon after, mounting pressure on the Bears' defence before dummy-half Billy Scott put in a well-weighted grubber that was grounded by Daine Laurie to level the score.

As half-time approached, the Bears regained the lead when Jesse Marschke’s kick found Israel Ogden, who turned a seemingly broken play into points – slipping, regathering, and powering over to give his side a 10-6 lead at the break.

Penrith came out firing in the second half and it took just nine minutes for them to level the game once again. A slick left-edge shift found Jesse McLean, who got on the outside of his defender before muscling through the fullback to score.

The visitors then took control of the contest, running in two more tries in quick succession. Five-eighth Jack Cole took advantage of a scattered defensive line after a barnstorming run from Billy Phillips, before Paul Alamoti broke through up the middle and found a charging Daine Laurie who crossed under the posts. Alamoti converted three from four attempts to give the Panthers a commanding 22–10 lead.

The Bears, to their credit, refused to go away. After Trent Toelau was sent to the sin bin, they hit back almost immediately through Phillip Makatoa, who crashed over following clever work out of dummy-half by Jayden Yates.

But in the final play of the game, Penrith sealed the result with a try in the right corner to a diving Sam Lane, capping off a hard-fought 26–16 win over North Sydney.

Talking points

• A fully composed Panthers outfit controlled and dominated the second half, scoring four tries and only conceding the one while Toelau spent time in the sin bin, sealing their victory in an entertaining clash.
• The Panthers’ edge defence held firm while playing one man down, refusing to let the Bears get around them and constantly finding a way to keep them out.
• Despite losing, Bears hooker Jayden Yates stood out with his solid vision and rapid dummy-half runs that continuously troubled the visitors’ defence.

Key moment

In such an action-packed and hard-fought bout, the Panthers’ third-consecutive try in the second half through Daine Laurie proved the winning try in the end. Paul Alamoti found himself in the middle of the field, running sideways until he was able to find his fullback who burst through a gap in the middle of the Bears’ defence to score between the posts.

What’s next?

The Bears look to bounce back as they host the Canberra Raiders next week, while the Panthers face the second-placed St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Western Suburbs Magpies

Match Summary 

Bulldogs and Magpies play out thriller draw on King’s Birthday

George Al-Akiki

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs came agonisingly close to being back in the winners circle in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, playing out a 34-34 draw against the Western Suburbs Magpies in the King’s Birthday clash to close out Round 14.

The Dogs bit first, taking their attack to the left where Drew Hutchison placed a cutout ball perfectly onto the chest of Jonathan Sua to send the fullback over (6-0).

It took Mitchell Woods just nine minutes to snatch his first cup try on debut, linking up with fellow half Hutchison whose kick bounced up nicely for Woods. They were in for their third, through the middle as Jake Turpin from hooker found prop Sam Hughes close to the line (18-0).

The Magpies found initial points in their first full set inside Canterbury’s attacking zone. Halfback Kurt Falls swung around to the left side of the attack late in the set to break the line with a deft grubber that found his centre Brent Naden (18-6).

They found their second straight after, marching down the field before second rower Luke Jack surprisingly found himself running into dummy half with momentum, using it to his advantage to crash over the Bulldogs defence (18-10)

In a third consecutive set the Magpies found points, working a short play down their left side again which passed through three hands ending with Izaac Tu’itupou skirting the touchline to land in the corner (18-14).

Canterbury jumped back on the offence to close out the half as Blake Taafe, now at five-eighth, put a charging Logan Spinks through a hole. The second rower burned past fullback Kit Laulilii to put his side up 24-14 at the break.

The Magpies struck first in the second, taking their attack to the right hand side for the first time to great effect when substitute Tristan Hope floated a pass out to Charlie Staines with an acrobatic finish to bring the margin to within four (24-20).

The Dogs hit right back with Spinks’ second before a Woods feigned kick instead saw the Dogs run it on the last play to great effect as winger Jonathan Sua crossed over to break the game back open (32-20).

With 11 minutes to go, Magpies winger Tu’itupou completed his hat trick and Staines at the opposite end found a second to level the score with less than 90 seconds to play.

The moment was set for Mitchell Woods to strike the match winning field goal, but pressure from the Magpies did enough to help send the halfbacks shot to the right of the uprights, the game finishing 34-all

Talking points

• In a negative for both sides, penalties against each side cost them both dearly, with most of the points in the first half coming off the back of sets directly following infringements.
• Sam Hughes was instrumental to Canterbury’s ability to march up the field. The forward’s no nonsense running game saw him finish with 16 runs for 137 metres, followed closely behind by Luke Smith with 107 metres.
• Despite the Magpies scoring seven tries to Canterbury’s six, it was the boot of Kurt Falls that cost the Magpies in the end. The halfback only managed 3 conversions. Just one more of his four attempts could have sealed the match.

Key moment

With the Magpies gaining momentum early in the second half and the margin down from 18 to four, Mitch Woods stepped up on debut. 

Moving from the right to the left to earn his first try assist, his decision moments later to run the ball on the last instead of kick pushed the margin back to 14, showing the competition a real glimpse of his future in a blue and white jumper to come.

What’s next?

The Bulldogs will be back at Accor stadium next Saturday to take on a last placed Rabbitohs side desperate for a win, while the Magpies return home in a crucial clash against the Sea Eagles.